********** 10 Stars!
Price: US$ 11.87, Available worldwide on Amazon.com
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ISBN: 0658017934
Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Your first reaction to Drop-Dead Gorgeous may be never to wash your hair again. After a closer inspection, the reaction might change to vowing never to use a standard beauty product ever again, coupled with a serious distaste for manufacturers who claim to be "natural" but use the same harsh ingredients as any generic brand. Author Kim Erickson has done her homework, and the results are disturbing.
Erickson has determined that chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol are found in all sorts of cleansers for hair and skin, and little regulation exists within the industry. Some of these issues point to potential toxicity for all users, while others mention a single, if severe, possible allergic reaction. Clearly, this difference is important, but the book doesn't differentiate between potential or accidental harm to one and known test results pointing to health concerns for millions. Still, it's probably better to be aware of all the possibilities lurking in that bottle of bath gel.
As part of your cosmetic education, you'll learn how to whip up your own simple recipes for shampoos, bath salts, lotions, and hair dyes. If that sounds like too much effort, each section includes specific manufacturers and products that contain no damaging substances. Either way, you'll open the door to all sorts of fun beauty products that won't harm you or the world you live in. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
Exposes the truth behind the cosmetic industry
Each day, we are exposed to some 200 synthetic chemicals--without our knowledge. Skin, hair, body, and beauty products are loaded with potential irritants, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and hormone disrupters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified many ingredients found in modern cosmetics as hazardous. Worse still, such product ingredients are easily absorbed through the skin. The potential health problems associated with brand-name cosmetics are many and varied.
As consumers of mainstream cosmetic products, we make up the single largest class of involuntary and avoidable carcinogenic exposures. Yet, the FDA is virtually powerless to protect us. Drop-Dead Gorgeous was designed to empower you. This timely, much-needed resource uncovers the dangers of these products and lists the nine most hazardous ingredients. The book guides you on how to read and interpret misleading product labels. A variety of natural alternatives and recipes for creating safe cosmetics at home are also included.
From the Back Cover
How safe are your cosmetics and personal-care products?
Do you really know what's in them? Each day, we are exposed to some two hundred synthetic chemicals--without our knowledge. Skin, hair, body, and beauty products are loaded with potential irritants, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and hormone disrupters. Enlightening and empowering, Drop Dead Gorgeous is a timely, much-needed resource that reveals the dangers of these common household products and exposes the lies of the cosmetics industry. It also shows you how to read and interpret misleading product labels and identifies the nine most hazardous ingredients on the market.
Drop Dead Gorgeous is packed with natural alternatives and easy-to-follow recipes for safely creating your own cosmetics at home. You'll learn how to make your own moisturizers, bath oils, shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and much more--all safe enough to use even on babies' sensitive skin. You'll also find treatments for everything from acne to eczema to brittle nails to dandruff. If you prefer the convenience of shopping off-the-shelf, you will find numerous nontoxic products by a variety of manufacturers in the Smart Shopping sections. Plus, a glossary provides definitions of uncommon and common ingredients to help you create products specifically designed for you.
Looking good shouldn't jeopardize your health. Drop Dead Gorgeous shows you how to create your own healthful, safe, and natural beauty--and what could be more radiant than that?